Starting a New Chapter

Process

Become an integral part of the largest woodturning organization in the world. The AAW meets one of its objectives (providing "organization" to those interested in woodturning) by providing resources to help you form a new local chapter. Below, are resources to support you in forming a new local chapter. Successful chapters are those whose leaders are bothpassionate and committed.If you have questions, we are available to assist, please contact us by phone or email.
 

Services and Support Provided by AAW to Chapters

Some of these resources require AAW member log in and/or Chapter Officer status.

Educational Resources

• Safety tips, guidelines, books, and resources 

Receive counseling and materials to assist in chapter membership and programs.

• How to promote AAW membership.

Provide a link to a broad network for mentoring, problem-solving, critique, exhibit opportunities, selling opportunities, trade and purchase of woods, and a forum for information exchange

• Best Practices: #005 - Critiquing a Members Work 
• Best Practices: #038 - Show & Tell Sessions 
• Best Practices: #031 - President's Challenge Project

Receive frequent email communications from the AAW about important national and local chapter activities.

• Chapter Officers Bulletins

Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and knowledge about woodturning.

• AAW Forum 
• AAW Leadership Community in AAW Exchange
  

Be eligible to apply for AAW Educational Opportunity Grants, available to local chapters every year.

• Educational Opportunity Grant (EOG) Information

Access to reasonable cost insurance

• AAW Chapter Insurance 

Organization Materials for Starting a Chapter

Locate and form an interested core group. Reach out to your community. Contact AAW headquarters and chapters in your area for guidance and support.

Read an introduction prepared by the AAW Membership & Chapters Committee Chair.

• Best Practices: Starting an AAW Local Chapter 
• Best Practices: #046 Rewards of Starting a Woodturning Chapter (Coming Soon) 
• Best Practices: Meeting Locations (Coming Soon)

Establish a set of bylaws from which your local chapter will be organized.

• Best Practices #125: Chapter organization for tax exempt status and filing 1023EZ online 
• Best Practices #126: Explanation of Bylaws 
• Sample AAW Chapter Bylaws (in a format supportive of 1023EZ filing)

Establish Chapter organizational structure and officer duties.

• Chapter officer job descriptions

AAW local chapters may choose to pursue 501(c) 3 federal and state tax exempt status, offering members the ability to make tax deductible donations.

• Best Practices: #028 Benefits of Local Chapter Membership 
• Best Practices: #027 Benefits of AAW Membership 
• Best Practices: #061 Becoming a 501(c) (3)

Process for Establishing and Submitting Bylaws to Become an AAW Chapter

Once you have organized your team and determined the need for a chapter in your area you are ready to establish the chapter. The AAW will follow up soon after the by laws are submitted for support and finalization of your new AAW local chapter.

Conduct a meeting to adopt the bylaws, name the chapter and elect four officers (if the four elected officers are not AAW members, they can join online or call the AAW headquarters)

Email or mail the signed bylaws to the AAW headquarters

The bylaws will be reviewed at the AAW headquarters and when approved

AAW will send a welcome email

AAW will mail the following materials:

• AAW official welcome letter 
• AAW local chapter banner 
• AAW will provide you with membership applications that can be used to advertise your chapter through local woodturning vendors and suppliers.

AAW will post your chapter on the website with the following information

• Chapter name 
• Area served 
• Meeting dates 
• Meeting locations 
• Number of chapter member, number of AAW members 
• Contact information for the chapter 
• Website (when available)